Oinousses has a surprisingly varied coastline for such a small island. Its beaches range from sandy, sheltered bays on the southern and eastern shores to wilder coves exposed to the North Aegean wind. Bilali is the island’s best-known and only reliably serviced beach. Apiganos provides a quieter natural setting, while Zepaga is convenient for visitors…
Oinousses is a small North Aegean island with an influence far greater than its size might suggest. Generations of local families became prominent shipowners, and their relationship with the sea remains visible throughout the harbour, village and island institutions. The main settlement rises amphitheatrically above the waterfront. Neoclassical mansions stand beside modest island houses, maritime…
Thimena — also written Thymaina — is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the North Aegean. Part of the Fourni archipelago between Samos and Ikaria, it is a place of fishing boats, steep village lanes, walking paths and small coves rather than conventional tourist attractions. The island covers only about 10 square kilometres. There…
The beaches of Agios Efstratios are very different from those of Greece’s major holiday islands. There are few organised facilities, no long lines of sunbeds and little coastal development outside the island’s only village. Instead, Ai Stratis has a remarkably wild coastline of sand, pebbles, volcanic rock, sea caves and isolated coves. The easiest swimming…
Agios Efstratios is one of the least conventional Greek islands to visit. Usually called Ai Stratis by Greeks, this small North Aegean island lies between Lemnos and the Sporades. It has only one main settlement and remains far removed from the scale of tourism found on better-known Greek islands. Its appeal is also unusually diverse….
Fourni’s coastline is one of the main reasons to spend several days on the island. Deeply indented and rugged, it contains a succession of small bays and beaches rather than a handful of large resort-style stretches of sand. The beaches around Fourni include Kampi, Kamari, Psili Ammos, Petrokopio, Elidaki, Vitsilia, Vlychada, Koumara and Ambelos, with…
Samothraki isn’t a typical Greek beach island. Its dramatic mountain landscape continues all the way to the sea, producing a coastline dominated by pebbles, rocks, cliffs and secluded coves rather than long stretches of developed sand. There is one major exception: Pachia Ammos, the island’s best-known sandy beach. Elsewhere, Samothraki rewards travellers looking for clear…
Samothraki — also known as Samothrace — is unlike most Greek islands. Instead of whitewashed resort towns and rows of beach clubs, Samothraki is dominated by Mount Saos, a rugged mountain rising to 1,611 metres. Forests, streams and waterfalls descend its slopes, forming the natural rock pools known locally as vathres. The island also has…
Psara may be best known for its important role in Greek history, but beaches are one of the strongest reasons to spend several days on this remote North Aegean island. Despite Psara’s small population and lack of mass tourism, its coastline contains an impressive selection of sandy beaches, pebble coves and secluded swimming spots. Some…
Many of Ikaria’s villagers farm their own land and run shops, accommodations or tavernas. They are an impressively self-sufficient bunch. Ikaria is named after Icarus, the Greek mythical figure who escaped imprisonment on Crete with wings his master craftsman Deadalus made, but flew too close to the sun and crashed into this island. Armenistis Located…
Golden beaches, rich history and unrivalled hospitality are Lemnos’ strong suit – the island cracks the holiday code. Add a touch of humility and authenticity to the mix and you have a recipe for a great summer escape. Sample authentic Lemnian meals like free-range rooster with flomaria and traditional wild rabbit at Mantella, a tavern…
Eating on Agios Efstratios is closely connected to the island itself. There is no large restaurant district and little interest in elaborate resort dining. Instead, most places to eat are concentrated around the village and harbour, where traditional Greek cooking relies heavily on fish, seafood, local meat and whatever ingredients are available. That simplicity is…